I've been receiving more ominous texts from friends who are aware that I'm in Taiwan, such as, "I hope you have your flak jacket with you!" "Is there a bomb shelter at your hotel?"
They came to the conclusion that Nancy Pelosi's travel to Taiwan may not go well after witnessing the flamboyant language emanating from Chinese official media, particularly the Global Times.
The visit has been referred to as "reckless" and critics have warned against "forcing Beijing into a corner," according to a number of very prominent US-based China researchers.
This place doesn't see it that way.
Former heavy metal vocalist Freddy Lim is currently a member of parliament for the governing party. Freddy now wears a stylish shirt and a short haircut, but his well-pressed cuffs still reveal tattoos.
"We have a fundamental policy of welcoming prominent politicians to Taiwan, like Nancy Pelosi. It is highly significant. It is not a challenge to China. Like any other nation, it is formally welcome a friend, "To the BBC, he spoke.
All of Taiwan's major political parties concur on this.
Former presidential spokesperson Charles Chen is a KMT (Kuomintang) party member of parliament.
It will be vital for the US to demonstrate support for Taiwan and its democracy at this time, he added, if Speaker Pelosi is able to travel to Taiwan.
The visit of the third-most powerful politician in the US has an enormous symbolic value from Taiwan's perspective. Such high-level visits, which Taiwan would want to see more of, are also made to seem more usual (the last one was 25 years ago).
The fact that Taiwan is in danger of losing its position as a free and democratic society cannot be changed by Nancy Pelosi's visit alone.
China's threats to "reunify the island, by force if necessary," as well as the fact that it currently considerably outclasses Taiwan in terms of military might, are being more understood.
Han Kuang 38, a five-day spectacle of live fire exercises, air, and naval maneuvers, was last week's showcase of Taiwan's military prowess.
The display of contemporary military power was dazzling to the untrained eye. It demonstrated to experts precisely how much Taiwan has lagged behind China.
Its fighter aircraft, tanks, and artillery are outdated, and its naval ships lack the most advanced radar and missile defense systems. It also lacks contemporary submarines.
There is little question that China would prevail in a direct contest. What, though, might prompt a Chinese attack? Historically, Taiwan's formal proclamation of independence has served as Beijing's red line.
According to Mr. Chen, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led administration of President Tsai Ing-wen has gone perilously near to that.
He asserts that Beijing's belief that Taiwan is moving toward independence and that there is no turning back may be a prerequisite for Beijing attacking Taiwan.
"So, if the DPP candidate wins the next presidential election again, maybe Beijing would decide to launch an early invasion on Taiwan to stop it from becoming independent," says the author.
That is a very self-serving defense offered by a party that is eager to regain power. But it does highlight the wide chasm in Taiwanese politics.
The KMT, which is on one side, aims to reassure Beijing that Taiwan won't alter the status quo. On the other hand, there are others, like Freddy Lim, who think that Taiwan's defence must be strengthened because appeasing China has not worked.
"For many years, we have attempted to placate China. And it just serves to demonstrate that we are powerless to win them over "He claims.
"Following the conflict in Ukraine, polls overwhelmingly indicate that Taiwanese citizens favor having a stronger defense. The younger generation in particular has a tremendous desire to protect our own nation."
Mr. Lim is correct that the conflict in Ukraine has had a significant effect on this.
Last weekend, I observed around 30 young men and women studying the fundamentals of gun handling in abandoned manufacturing building a half-hour outside of Taipei. The only difference between the guns and genuine ones is that the real ones are powered by compressed air. Managing the training business is Max Chiang.
He informs me that enrollment has increased by 50% since February and that women now make up between 40% and 50% of several sessions.
"People are starting to understand that a more powerful nation may conquer a weaker neighbor. They are aware of what occurred in Ukraine, and it demonstrates what may occur here."
A more experienced group is practicing mock street fights in the building next door. They have body armoire, helmets, and radio communication equipment, and they are well camouflaged.
Lisa Hsueh is loading her rifle at a table.
"I'll speak out to defend my family and myself if the tensions between us and China escalate into a conflict. That's why I became proficient with a firearm, "she claims.
"The front lines are not where women like me go to fight. We will, nevertheless, be able to defend ourselves in our houses if a conflict breaks out."
I question her on the significance of being prepared to defend Taiwan.
"I value our liberty. We are citizens of a democratic nation. These are hence our fundamental rights. And we need to preserve these principles "She responds.
"China is a nation devoid of democratic freedoms. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Taiwan."
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